AWAI Success Stories
Looking for a little inspiration? Read some of our most recent success stories below.
And if you want to meet some of the AWAI Members who are now living the writer’s life thanks to their hard work and dedicated persistence, be sure and read our case studies.
Living the Writer's Life: Leslie Blaize
Leslie Blaize didn’t let the termination of her corporate job get her down. In fact, she didn’t even bat an eye before jumping into the writing world. Find out how she got started at lightning speed and went on to leverage her professional knowledge into a lifestyle that offers loads of freedom and space to have fun and be with family.
Living the Writer's Life: Brad Dunsé
Brad Dunsé took ownership of his unique life circumstances early on when he decided he was the only one who’d ever be in charge of his daily tasks and time. Then when writing surfaced as a new opportunity, he found a way to not only fold it into his own musical interests but use it as an avenue for helping others in situations similar to his, so they could also enjoy the same freedom-filled lifestyle. Read on for inspiration…
Living the Writer's Life: Irene Gabelnick
Irene Gabelnick’s youthful dream to be a writer got squashed in an all-too-common and sadly effective manner. She only circled back to that dream after tragedy hit. And though her writer’s life still required effort and strength, she’s since built up a career filled with satisfaction, inspiration, and monetary success — not to mention some very happy clients and exciting new ventures.
Living the Writer's Life: John Meyer
John Meyer has a history of sniffing out great opportunities and going for them. Following an admirable couple of years country-hopping, he caught a whiff of all that the copywriting world has to offer and has been plowing ahead to see where and how he can make the most of it. See what this go-getter did to quickly get his copywriting knowledge up to speed and what he’s hoping to accomplish next.
Living the Writer's Life: Rebecca Griffin
Rebecca Griffin’s journey to writing will blow you away. For starters, she has defied all odds in the face of one health challenge after another. She also has a remarkable ability to stay focused on her long-term goals, fortified by small but steady wins. Get ready to have your heart warmed with this story of resilience, determination, and ultimately the love of a mother and wife.
Living the Writer's Life: Mary Guinane
Like many Barefoot Writers, Mary Guinane enjoyed writing from an early age and always felt pulled in that direction. But once she started writing as a career, she settled into the rewarding work of the nonprofit world. Read on to discover how this journey has shaped her for the long term, why it led to a sweet connection with her brother, and what she’s doing to pass the torch to new writers.
Living the Writer's Life: Joseph Ciccanti
As a man with multiple interests and a keen sense of duty toward his family, Joseph Ciccanti has found that writing is unquestionably his ideal profession. Not only has it given him a way to bridge his interests and professional training with an enjoyable way to make an income, but it also serves up time to delve into gratitude and self-care. As a result, he enjoys peace, balance, and the ability to make time for those who matter.
Living the Writer's Life: Jeff Stasiuk
Jeff Stasiuk had wanted to be a writer since grade school. But that dream got shelved while he worked at a traditional job. Read on to discover the confluence of forces that led him to copywriting, and why he no longer has to wait for life to get good.
Living the Writer's Life: Stella Bouldin
When a fortuitous layoff forced Stella Bouldin to lean in to what she really wanted from life, she began by exploring different countries. But the appeal of not having to get up early for a job led her to look for more flexible opportunities, and getting paid to write for a living was the most appealing. Discover how she’s made the most of her writing lifestyle and why it allows her to continue to travel the globe.
Living the Writer's Life: Andrew Murray
When I spoke with Andrew Murray from his home south of Sydney, he was just back from a two-month trip with his wife to Southeast Asia. But long-term, far-off travel has become the norm for Andrew, all thanks to being able to write for a living. Enjoy the story of what got him here and how he’s making the most of it.
